A local state of emergency has been declared for Christchurch and Selwyn District due to the impacts of the Port Hills fire.
About 130 firefighters, 25 fire trucks and 12 helicopters are battling the blaze, which broke out in vegetation in the area of Worsleys Road, near Cracroft, shortly after 2pm on Wednesday. It grew quickly, and was covering about 100 hectares as of 6pm, FENZ said. It is close to destroying several homes.
Helicopters will continue an air assault until dark, and ground crew will keep battling the blaze overnight.
The state of emergency was agreed by Christchurch Mayor Phil Mauger and Selwyn District Council Mayor Sam Broughton and declared at 6.13pm.
It means councils will be able to coordinate their response and the local controller can evacuate people or restrict access to areas as required.
The Port Hills fire on 14 February 2024. Photo: Supplied / Dominic Johnson
Have you got photos or video of the fire? Email iwitness@rnz.co.nz.
See how the day's events unfolded with RNZ's liveblog.